Clarity sought on 'watercourse' for new nitrates rules
Charlie Dineen brings silage into sheds where cows are being housed over the winter months. Picture: Andy Gibson.
As the role of larger dairy herds in water quality comes under scrutiny, co-ops have suggested that farms in free-draining critical water source areas, where there is nitrogen or phosphorus excess, should get targeted advice through the Agricultural Sustainability Support and Advisory Programme.
ICOS, representing co-ops, said dairy expansion has resulted in larger herds but the vast majority of herds are between 80 and 120 cows.
